Meet the 2022 Winner: Annie Pardo, PhD
Dr. Pardo is distinguished professor in the Faculty of Sciences at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM). Dr. Pardo received her Biology degree, Master's and PhD in Biochemistry at the UNAM. She has been a member of the ATS since 1991, and has served as an Associate Editor for the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology and member of the Editorial Board of the American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care. She was member of the Award Committee of the ATS (2021-2022).
Dr. Pardo performed all her research work in Mexico and her contributions have positioned her as an international leader in lung pathobiology. Among Dr. Pardo’s key scientific contributions is the pioneering discovery of the complex and critically important role of matrix metalloproteases in pulmonary fibrosis. In paradigm-shifting work she established brought the matrisome into focus in lung pathobiology, demonstrating that MMPs were not merely matrix degraders, but instead active regulators of lung remodeling and signaling, in IPF as well as other lung diseases. Dr. Pardo’s work was also key to establishing the central importance of epithelial cells as drivers of profibrotic signaling, demonstrating the centrality of lung epithelium on fibroblast activation.
Dr. Pardo is also a devoted mentor and teacher. She has organized and taught numerous regular courses of biochemistry and molecular cell biology, and she has mentored upward of 50 undergraduate and graduate students promoting their engagement in research to lung biopathology.
She has received numerous distinguished accolades including the “Recognition Award for Scientific Achievement” from the American Thoracic Society, and the “National University Award for Research in the area of Natural Sciences.
Description:
The RCMB Assembly serves as a vibrant hub for its diverse membership across the globe, thus enhancing the respiratory science community. This award will recognize an RCMB member with a primary appointment outside of the United States or Canada who has an established record of cutting-edge high impact research that contributes to the understanding and treatment of lung diseases coupled with service within the Assembly and a commitment to the RCMB mission“to promote the long-range goal of the ATS to decrease morbidity and mortality from respiratory disorders and life-threatening acute illnesses through an improved understanding of the biological basis of lung disease”. The inaugural award presented, honours Geoff Laurent, Ph.D. and Tomoko Betsuyaku M.D., whose passion for knowledge, service to our community and impact on our understanding of the biological basis of lung disease inspired its creation.
Criteria:
The nominee:
- must have a current primary appointment outside of the United States or Canada
- should have performed the majority of their research outside of the United States or Canada
- should have an excellent track record of international collaborations and service to the RCMB Assembly
- should have demonstrated leadership and impact in their research field on a national and international level
- should have demonstrated mentorship for a diversity of mentees
- must be a RCMB member (primary or secondary)
- must attend the ATS International Conference and be present at the RCMB Membership Meeting
Guidelines for submitting a nomination
A nomination must include:
- The nominee’s curriculum vitae
- A 2-3 page narrative discussing the impact of the nominee’s research program on an understanding of the biological basis of lung disease and the nominee’s service contributions to RCMB.
- The nomination letter should be supported by the signatures of five investigators who attest to the impact of the nominee on the RCMB mission.
Scoring metric weight:
- 1x - Scientific Contributions/Products
- 1x - Teaching/Mentoring/Educational Contributions
- 1x - Participation in Assembly and ATS Activities (administrative, committees, workshops etc.)
- 1x -Overall impact/impression of dossier submitted for award application
